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The SRC has prepared a short briefing covering the key announcements; the key points can be found below and the full paper is here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/equality-opportunity-community-new-leadership-fresh-start/

  • In discussions the First Minister, Deputy First Minister, and Economy Secretary have all been keen to ‘reset’ the relationship with the business community; something the First Minister alighted upon in his announcement to Parliament.
  • The Scottish Government will look at ‘using business rates to boost business & support communities’
  • Look at ‘using business rates to boost business & support communities’ as part of ‘New Deal with Business’
  • Engage public/stakeholders to deliver a more progressive tax system, and look to be ‘bolder on tax & redistribution’
  • Delay the Deposit Return Scheme until March 1st 2024 (a detailed briefing on the DRS changes announced last week can be found here: https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/src-briefing-on-the-scottish-deposit-return-scheme-april-21/
  • Look to Double EV charge points to 6,000, cut car kilometres by 20% by 2030, and complete the dualling of the A9 to Inverness.
  • Bring forward the proposals from the Circular Economy Bill (which includes powers to impose charges on single use items, such as disposable cups)
  • Work with industry to take a fresh look at proposals to restrict alcohol marketing, review the minimum unit price of alcohol.
  • A drive to encourage more businesses to commit to ‘fair work’.
  • A six-month pilot from October to remove peak-time rail fares.
  • Explore further reforms to Council Tax, progress the local visitor levy,
  • Continue to advocate for Independence alongside establishing the case for further tax and regulatory powers to be devolved to Holyrood.

The SRC has been heavily engaged with this debate. We garnered media coverage before and after the First Minister’s announcement on the priorities for business; as well as coverage of the decision to delay DRS. Last week we met the First Minister twice, the Deputy First Minister once, and the Economy Secretary and Circular Economy Minister twice as well; using all these opportunities to advance the key priorities on behalf of Members. We have also written to the First Minister and key Ministers, and will be meeting the new retail Minister in the coming weeks, as well as continuing to influence the direction of the Government through our media engagement.